Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Let's try to make a long, painful story short, shall we? My boss was crazy. I know we like to use that term loosely a lot, don't we? No really. C-R-AAAA-Z-Y. In a nutshell: passive-aggressive, manipulative, undermining, sneaky, low self-esteem, weird power-trippy, could NOT be wrong...ever. That covers the highlights anyway.

Without going into excrutiating detail, I'll say that it was ALL MY FAULT, because I was honest with her about starting a business...because SHE has a business. BIG MISTAKE! She obviously had a personal problem with me (oh, wait! And all the OTHER women working under her too! Hmmmm, weird.) and spent an inordinate amount of time and effort 'checking up' on me to try to find me doing something wrong. Even when my nose WAS clean, she would try to make up accusations that were absurd. No matter how hard I tried to 'brush it off" and not take it personally, I found it virtually impossible. Maybe because it WAS personal. The stress started mounting and after we opened our new business, I just could not take the harassment anymore. The situation would NEVER get better and I had to bail.

It's a bit scary since I have worked full time for the last 20 years of my life, but it does feel pretty good so far & my wonderful husband has been reluctantly supportive. He's just freaked out with the whole 'one income' thing. This will give me a chance to devote much-needed time to my new business. I will be looking for something to supplement our income a couple days a week, and am thinking about substitute teaching. The rest of the time, I will throw myself into my business and prepare for our boss-free future! I doubt anyone reads this rag anymore since I never update, but I may be ending it until I figure out my new schedule and have a flow to my life that allows time for work and for fun. If I do have time to keep up, I will most certainly start a new blog.

In the meantime, I would LOVE to hear about some more easy suggestions to make money a couple days a week.

Monday, October 29, 2007

Community Service

We hired one of our younger babysitters Saturday night to watch the boy. My daughter and I had tickets to see a show and my husband went to a friend's wedding. (I had already bought the show tickets when we got the wedding invite.) Our sitter is only 15, so she had arranged for a friend of hers to come to pick her up.

She had called my husband to ask if it was okay to let her friend wait inside until one of us got home. He said "sure". I was the first one home. There was a truck parked in the front when I arrived. Our sitter was out chatting with the occupants. She follows me in and said "We need to talk." Um...somehow coming from your 15 year old sitter, that just DOES NOT sound good. She proceeds to tell me the following story:

When her friend arrived, she brought 2 boys with her. They came inside, and when my sitter went upstairs to check on the baby, the kids said "Can we look around?" to which she replied "Yeah, sure". She got back downstairs just in time to see that they had emptied two 16 oz. soda bottles and filled them with liquor from our basement bar. When she protested, they were all like "whatever" and left her there. Hey! Thanks friends! For the screw-job AND the ride home! She was CLEARLY mortified by what had transpired, and was very upset. The truck out front was another set of friends she called to come to her rescue. I told her that I very much appreciated her honesty, and that we were not mad at her. I let her know that my husband would give her a call to get info. on the kids that had stolen from us. On second thought...go ahead and give me those names and numbers now. Let's not sleep on that. Oh, and further more, when strangers (to me) ask if they can 'look around' my house...yeah, not so much. I know you're thinking "that's what you get for getting such a young sitter", but I will say this girl is mature beyond her years in so many other ways. She's no dummy.

So long story....long, my husband got in touch with all three kid's parents. One boy beat him to the punch by calling HIM first and coming clean with the whole story. The other two parents got a news flash. My husband empathized with the parents about being a "dumb teenager" and let them know he would be expecting restitution as the victim of their children's theft. In a couple weeks when the trees are dumping more leaves, all three of our little sticky-fingered 'guests' will be spending a whole Saturday raking our rather large, tree-filled back yard. There may or may not be a field trip to the local county jail for a close-up and personal view of what lying and stealing does for you.

All of the parents were totally on board with my husband's plan. A couple of them felt it wasn't "enough". He told them that that was just how they were to repay HIM, and the parents should implement whatever additional punishments they saw fit.

The upshot? 24 ounces of cheap liquor bought me the cheapest lawn service EVER.. Anyone else NOT miss being 16?

Saturday, October 13, 2007

I Wanna Be the Dragon

Soooo, we had a RECORD BREAKING meltdown this week. Terrible twos are in the hizzouse. We all went to Old Navy to grab a costume for my son. He seemed down with the concept initially, but once we were at the costume display, refused to so much as cast his gaze upon the selections. "Hey, LOOK! How about the skunk? Look at the cute monkey! Here's a cool dragon! Ohhh! The chicken is cute!" Orrrrr, we can run around the display yelling "Nooooo!". After about 7 or 8 minutes of attempted wrangling, my husband and I both said "OK! We. Are. Done." As we were walking out of the store to the car, my son started screeching "COSTUME!" at the top of his lungs. I don't know HOW many times we said "Which one do you want, dear?" only to be answered with "COSTUME!" Finally we said "screw it" and loaded him into the car. Ohhh, my. The ear piercing, snotting, kicking and shrieking that ensued. It was SO loud that I stuffed Kleenex into my ears. It kept up the entire 13 1/2 minute ride home. I now know EXACTLY how long it takes to get from my house to Old Navy. Every long, painful second. My daughter had tears in her eyes when we arrived home. Assuming she was just upset by the scene, I said that he was having a baby fit and he'd calm down soon. She said "I know, it's just that my ears hurt."

Once we got home my husband whisked him upstairs for a bit of discipline including, but not limited to, some time sitting in the corner. After several minutes I went upstairs to check in and say goodnight. He was finally calm and asked me to read him a bedtime story. After the story, I looked at his (now) sweet face and said "Dear, what do you wanna be for Halloween." He clearly and calmly informed me "I wanna be the dragon."

Tuesday, October 09, 2007

Eureka! I'm back!

Sorry. I know I'm generally unreliable about posting, but it took FOREVER for Google Help to get me back into my blogger account. But, LOOK! I'm IN!

So back to business: My new yoga studio plans are coming along nicely. We bumped our opening date back to January, as we were getting dangerously close to opening around the holidays. We needed more time to collect bids from contractors to bid our build-out. Hey, did you know that many contractors are shysters? You did? Well, sometimes it takes me awhile. We should get our last 2 bids this week and be able to make a decision. Fortunately, we have the coolest landlord on the planet, so he is good with the delay. My partner and I are VERY anxious to get moving with this. We've been doing loads of grass-roots marketing and we have a large "free class" coupon promotion planned for the area's trick-or-treaters. I joined the Chamber and have plans to make nice ASAP. That is, when I can fit it in.

I have a conundrum. I am SO busy with my full time job (it takes loads of time running around collecting signatures...how professional!) that I am not sure how I am going to be able to juggle both jobs once we are open. I keep waiting for the crystal ball to show up. Y'know...the one that will tell me how long it will be until the business is profitable enough (for me, plus a partner) to be able to quit the corporate gig. My head is about to explode and we're still months away from even being open. I know it will all work out, but DAMN am I impatient! It's the cross I must bear.

The kids are great. Second grade has been...a challenge for my daughter. She can hack the work, no problem. It's the 'social' issues she is working on mastering. Namely, keeping her big yapper shut and paying attention. She has been called out by the teacher so many times for talking, I have lost count. She's been better in the last couple weeks.

And the boy. Oh...boy. Potting training is FUN! Pooping in the potty is NOT. Again...a work in progress. He is also the most strong willed child EVER. My daughter was a challenge, but when you throw the "boy" aspect into it, damn.

So that's it for now. My posts will be more exciting once our awesome project is physically under way. Til then!

Monday, August 13, 2007

Reasons why I'm ANNOYED right now!

The VERY first thing is that for some reason Blogger and Google are plotting to keep me from posting! I just CANNOT log in to this shit! I finally got in, but I'm not sure how. Must discuss moving this blog somehow.

That was the first reason. Now the biggest reason I am annoyed is because some people are SO damn stupid. I go to pick up my son from daycare today and park next to a black truck with the windows cracked...and a dog inside. It is ONE HUNDRED degrees OUTSIDE today. The car was not running. I went in to grab my son and when I came out (5 minutes later?) the dog was still there. A couple of other parents said the dog had been there for "awhile". I took my son back in and told the director, who was standing by the front door, that she needed to page the owner of the black truck and tell them to return to their vehicle IMMEDIATELY. I mentioned there was a dog locked in a car and that it was absolutely TOO HOT for a dog to be in a car for even a minute. As I was having my hissy I see a mom with two small kids sheepishly edging toward the door. I just catch her eye and she mutters "I was only in here for two minutes". I said "Oh, no, that dog was here when I got here 5 minutes ago and that is UNACCEPTABLE". As we were both walking out I just kept talking. I said again that is was far too hot for a dog to be left in a car even for a moment. She decided to get pissed rather than eating crow. She raised her voice when she said "Well, the REASON it was in the car is because it had gotten out of the yard on my way here and I had to put it in the car!" WHAT? OH! Well, in THAT CASE I guess it's OK. I said "So what? Leave the car running then!" She was attempting to mutter weak protests, so I just left it at "Well, I hope your dog is OK". Fucking bitch. There is no scenario in the WORLD that would have explained her asinine actions.

Filed under my LONG list of "I shouldasaid's" includes: "Would you leave your CHILD in a car in this heat for 'a couple of minutes?!" I didn't think so. Gar.

Reasons NOT to be annoyed right now....

My business partner and I signed a 3 year lease for our new business. We are opening a yoga studio for kids and families! If that seems random and niche, well, it's not! We have devised so many different marketing angles for this business that the possibilities are endless!

Two of the 'easiest' angles include Sports Conditioning Yoga for core strength in younger athletes, and classes for Special Needs kids. We'll have Mommy & Me yoga, Family yoga, Story Time yoga for toddlers, and yoga set to contemporary music for preteens and teens. We'll have educational seminars on topics such as meditation, nutrition and wellness. And of course there will be birthday parties! We have loads of things planned and we've been grass-roots marketing like crazy! We already have clients lined up and our web site is almost done. It's been loads of work, but we are very optimistic about the success of our business. With our combination of sales and marketing and fitness and yoga experience, we think we've concocted a recipe for success! I will TRY to log in to this account to post updates.

Saturday, July 21, 2007

Guilty Pleasures

This just in! VH1's "Rock of Love" with Bret Michaels...is....AWESOME! It's everything you could ever want in a show you don't want to admit you watch! Rock Star! Puking! Catfights! Slutty strippers! Crazy bitches! Oh, I could go on. It comes on right after "Best Week Ever" which may very well be the best show ever! Well...maybe not the BEST, but pretty damn good. Since my life has become so busy, I have to admit I've had to scale way back on the TV watching...but I'll make time for my guilty pleasures.

My new business is moving along quite nicely! We hope to sign a three year lease next week. SCARY! But it's not like anyone ever succeeded in their own business by waiting for someone else make it happen. Soooo..it's me. Yeah. So far things are moving very smoothly and it's more clear than ever that my business partner and I are a great pair for this project.

My husband and I made an attempt to open a martini bar a little over a year ago. We did loads of research, met with every vendor known to man and even signed a lease...but never gave it back to the landlord. At the exact same time, our son got sick and was in the hospital for seven days. It was like the Universe bonking you on the head going "Hey, dummies! Wrong concept...wrong time in your lives!" So we listened. In retrospect, thank god! It wasn't by any means a waste of time, though. All of our hard work on that project was like a dress rehearsal for our new business. We gained so much insight into the inner-workings of the commercial business world with our original project, that we were well-armed when the real business idea rolled around. Funny how the Universe helps you out, huh?

After we get our lease signed I will give ya'll a break down of the new business. We hope to be open late Fall this year. If everything goes according to my Master Plan...within a year or two, I'll have to re-name my blog and kiss "pharm" goodbye forever!! Wish me luck!

Thursday, June 28, 2007

Worst Blogger EVER!

Yup, that's me. SOOOO busy. No, fer real. My old version of busy has now lost all meaning. I am bone-crushing-exhausted busy. Fully into the new rep job. This job has WAY more accountability than my last job, which on one hand is a good thing, but MAN it keeps me humpin'! The grass never really is COMPLETELY greener on the other side, is it? The good news is that I get to work with my favorite specialty again, and the products are very well received. So...yeah. The corporate office seems to have a bit of a Big Brother stench about it, but at least it keeps me a bit more honest than my last gig.

What adds to the challenge is that my friend and I are now business partners and we are opening a brand-spanking new business together this fall. I'll go into more detail later, but it is a kid-focused business and so far our market research leads us to believe we could be on to something very successful. Which....YEA! It's exciting, but such hard work.

It amazes me that so many people become entrepreneurs. I wonder how many folks start looking into the work that goes into doing this and run away screaming. From finding locations, dealing with really bad realtors, negotiating contracts, getting logos & signs made, market research, codes, licenses, zoning, merchandise, finding contractors, pre-promotions, public relations, web site writing, brochure writing, business planning and formatting, budgeting, the whole thing is a pretty amazing process.

My partner and I bring totally different skill sets to the project, which is a great thing. I am more in a sales and marketing role, and my partner has much more experience in the actual field that our business is a part of. Did that make one lick of sense?

This whole kit-n-kaboodle is part of my 5 year plan (which I secretly hope is a 2 or 3 year plan). I really want to leave corporate america in the dust and work for myself. I have learned that I am not lazy (as I formerly suspected) when I am truly motivated by the work that I am doing. This is the first time ever I have had a passionate interest in busting my tail. So, I THINK that means I am on my right path. Geeeez, I hope so! So far, my partner and I agree that the power of positive thinking (and actions) has been conspiring to aid our efforts and has been really paying off. Call it what you will, when you think in positive terms, you are rewarded with successful results.

I will promise to TRY to be better with the updates...the key word being "try". Think positive thoughts for me!

5. Old Navy gaucho pants. They are in the swimsuit section & are my new summer uniform when paired with a tank or T! Get yours in black and brown TODAY!

6. Planet Earth on Discovery HD. OK, FINE! My husband was right about something regarding that giant expensive HD flatscreen. This show eats the lunch of all other nature shows. Watch it! You'll thank me later.

7. My new job. It's not so much about "having a new job" that's great. It's more the "getting my sorry ass off the couch and being productive" that I dig.

8. Entrepreneurship. I just landed my very first client for my new business venture (we'll talk more about that later). My partner and I are starting small, but MAN can I dream big! Great things ahead!

Enjoy the rest of your week! Try to experience 1-6 (and maybe even 8!) for yourself ASAP! Anything I missed? What are YOU loving right now?

Saturday, April 14, 2007

If I were a bear, and Hobby Lobby were the woods...

What IS it about places with large amounts of paper? Craft stores, book stores, libraries?

I've been spending too much time (and money) at craft stores lately. My daughter's birthday party is tonight, and I've gone all crafty on her ass. I made cute personalized t-shirts as party favors, rather than the usual bags of crap. I made her cake myself, and have all sorts of fun activities planned. Did I mention that I have TWELVE seven year-olds sleeping at my house tonight? Yeah.

My husband seems to think I'm going all out because I feel guilty. Her real birthday is next weekend and I will be out of town for my new job. He is wrong. I think doing all this stuff is fun! I've been having a blast making the shirts, cake and planning other activities. Sadly, it's my only creative outlet right now. I'll take what I can get.

I have to go to New York for 10 days for training. Argh. I lucked out, though. Since one of my best friends lives in Conneticut, she is going to rescue me over the weekend and let me third wheel with her and her husband to a Fountains of Wayne concert. Yeah! I'm excited to see my friend AND get out of the hotel! I'll be MIA for longer than usual with my travels, but I'll holler and let you know how it goes!

Monday, March 26, 2007

!Mexico Estas Muy Bien!

Oh, man. This place is SWEET! We are having a grand time! We did a night dive right away when we got here. It was pretty good. We saw a HUGE loggerhead turtle and a 7 foot green moray. The next day we relaxed with all the spring breakers by the pool after doing a spot of shopping. HEY! You can buy blow in Mexico. At a gift shop! Whoda thought? Not for me, gracias. You cannot, however, buy Xanax or Valium without a prescription in Mexico anymore. So I hear...

The next day we did cavern/cave diving in a unique place called the Cenotes. It is fresh & salt water combined. No wildlife, but very cool. Although we once surfaced into a small cave, and got a picture of a critter the guide called a spider, but had scorpion-like features too. I'll figure out how to add images when I get back & post a few. I also plan to send it to Ugly Overload since those readers seem to know their skittering critters.

That night we went to a really fun place for dinner that a friend had recommended. It's called Perico's (although my husband kept calling it Perritos and the hotel guys were making fun of him for asking for a small dog!) That place was a wonderful recommendation because it is very high energy, authentic Mexican family fun! Music, dancing, flaming desserts, you name it. The margaritas were super-strong & knocked us on our butts! Last night was dancing on the bar at Senor Frogs, then more drinks in the hotel lobby before we said "Uncle".

Today we did 2 regular reef dives. They were OK. The highlight for me was seeing a 10 foot nurse shark. My husband missed it as he had to go up before me since he was low on air. Well, that's the blow by blow. More later. Adios, muchachitas!